Olson has been the subject of a one-person exhibition at Central College and has been included in the Iowa Artist Exhibition at the Des Moines Art Center. He received his M.F.A. from George Washington University and his B.A. in Art Education from Central College in Pella.

Gary Olson is a teacher and artist from Mitchellville, Iowa. He creates collages or box constructions that mysteriously layer bits of wire, mesh and objects that together create a "floating drawing." His works are abstract studies but often incorporate found objects such as chalk, fishing lures and dice that function on both a formal and symbolic level.